Seeing and viewpoints with

見 means see, look, or view. It covers seeing and being seen, finding things, how something looks, and a person’s view or judgment.

It also appears in words for meeting someone, as in 会見, and 見る itself can mean to look after someone, as in 面倒を見る.

Etymology

This kanji shows a person with an enlarged eye, to indicate seeing. In the oldest forms the figure is kneeling. Dictionaries disagree on whether to classify it as a pictogram or as a compound of 目 and 儿.

Etymology Research

CUHK identifies 目, an eye, and 卩, a kneeling person, in oracle-bone and bronze forms of 見. The enlarged eye emphasizes seeing. Its comparison with early 視 distinguishes the kneeling figure in 見 from the standing figure in 視, with an exception among the bronze forms. The later Shuowen analyzes 見 as 儿 plus 目 and defines it as seeing. These descriptions concern different stages of the written form. CUHK Multi-function Chinese Character Database, 見

Kanjipedia, following Kadokawa’s revised Shinjigen, calls the character 会意, a compound whose components convey meaning. Heibonsha’s Jitsu calls it 象形, a pictograph of a person with the eye emphasized. They agree on the eye and human figure but classify the formation differently. Neither account assigns a separate phonetic component to 見. Kanjipedia, 見, Heibonsha Jitsu, 見

CUHK records seeing and having an audience in oracle-bone texts. Bronze inscriptions also use 見 for witnessing, appearing before a ruler, and marking the passive. Its audience example is on the Mai fangzun, where a lord has an audience at Zongzhou. These attestations show that meeting and grammatical uses already existed in early Chinese. Oracle-bone use for offering sacrifices is a loan use associated with 獻, not a Japanese reading rule. CUHK, 見

Jitsu associates early seeing with spiritual objects and ritual. That is its interpretation of the setting, not a detail established by the prominent eye on a human figure alone. CUHK’s examples support broader seeing and audience uses without making every occurrence religious. Heibonsha Jitsu, 見, CUHK, 見

Seeing

(To see)

見(み)る is to see, look at, or watch something. It also means to check or judge something, or to look after someone, as in 面倒(めんどう)を見(み)る.

Example 1 of 11: A comet-viewing telescope with 望遠鏡
Example 1 of 11
Manga panel from 怪盗セイント・テール showing example of A comet-viewing telescope with 望遠鏡.
怪盗セイント・テール » Volume 4 » Page 19

Asuka Jr. receives a challenge notice from Saint Tail, stating her intent to steal Graham Comet on Christmas Eve. One of his friends wonders how Saint Tail will steal a comet. Asuka Jr. thinks it over for a moment.

アスカ Jr.:
「これは 天文台(てんもんだい)の天体(てんたい)望遠鏡(ぼうえんきょう)を盗(ぬす)むってことだ!!」
“That means stealing the observatory's telescope!!”
「このへんで彗星(すいせい)を見(み)る方法(ほうほう)はそれしかないからな!!」
“Since that's the only way to see a comet around here!!”
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Example 2 of 11: As if to say try and catch me 〜んばかり
Example 2 of 11
Manga panel from ふらいんぐうぃっち showing example of As if to say try and catch me 〜んばかり.
ふらいんぐうぃっち » Volume 1 » Page 78

Kei and Chinatsu watch as their cousin, Makoto, chases a pheasant back and forth across the field. During a break in the chase, Makoto explains her fascination with the bird.

真琴(まこと):
「常(つね)に届(とど)きそうで届(とど)かない距離(きょり)をキープしてて」
“Constantly seeming like you can reach and keeping a distance you can't...”
「捕(つか)まえてみろよと言(い)わんばかりの目(め)で見(み)てくるんです」
“It's been looking with eyes as if to say, try and catch me!”
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Example 3 of 11: Receiving a watching with 〜れる
Example 3 of 11
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Receiving a watching with 〜れる.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 13

After Chino shows Cocoa to the changing room, Chino goes to get Cocoa’s uniform. Left alone, Cocoa gets a feeling otherwise.

ココア:
「あれ… 誰(だれ)もいないはずなのに誰(だれ)かに見(み)られているような」
“Huh? Even though nobody should be here, it feels like I'm being watched by someone.”
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Example 4 of 11: Dazed by a wristwatch with 気が遠くなる
Example 4 of 11
Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of Dazed by a wristwatch with 気が遠くなる.
美少女戦士セーラームーン » Volume 6 » Page 264

At the stroke of midnight, Chibiusa wakes to a mysterious glow from her new wristwatch. She gets out of bed in a daze, and begins to leave the room. Her cat, Diana, bites her on the arm, returning Chibiusa from her trance.

ちびうさ:
「この腕時計(うでどけい)見(み)てたら気(き)が遠(とお)くなったのよ〰〰」
“When I looked at this wristwatch, I became lightheaded〰”
「ダイアナ! ヘンよ この時計(とけい)!」
“Diana! Something is strange about this watch!”
ダイアナ:
「とにかく 一(いち)の橋(はし)公園(こうえん)へ行(い)ってみましょ! スモール・レディ!!」
“Anyway, let's try going to Ichinohashi Park! Small Lady!!”
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Example 5 of 11: Watch the kid properly with ちゃんと
Example 5 of 11
Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Watch the kid properly with ちゃんと.
名探偵コナン » Volume 1 » Page 71

Conan and Ran end up with Kogoro investigating a kidnapping case. As Kogoro questions the butler, Conan steps in with his own questions. The butler asks who the child is.

小五郎(こごろう):
「いやー、わたしの知(し)り合(あ)いの子(こ)でして…」
“Well, it's the child of an acquaintance, and...”
「蘭(らん)!! ちゃんと面倒(めんどう)見(み)てろ!!」
“Ran! Properly look after him!”
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Example 6 of 11: While I didn't see you with 〜うちに
Example 6 of 11
Manga panel from よつばと! showing example of While I didn't see you with 〜うちに.
よつばと! » Volume 1 » Page 11

Jumbo arrives to help Yotsuba and her father move into their new home.

よつば:
「しばらく見ないうちにまた大きくなった!」
“You've grown bigger since I last saw you!”
ジャンボ:
「お?どこでおぼえたそのセリフ」
“Oh? Where'd you pick up that line?”
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Example 7 of 11: Have seen with 〜た+ことがある
Example 7 of 11
Manga panel from 三ツ星カラーズ showing example of Have seen with 〜た+ことがある.
三ツ星カラーズ » Volume 5 » Page 115

Sacchan and her friends come across a torn piece of paper with 「あたり100」 written on it. Thinking it may be for a 100,000 yen prize, the girls head to the shopping district to redeem it. Along the way, their friend Nonoko says she doesn’t recognize where the ticket is from, but Sacchan’s mother says it looks familiar somehow. Kotoha admits it seemed familiar to her as well, but she thought it was just her imagination until now.

結衣(ゆい):
「私(わたし)とさっちゃんとののちゃんは知(し)らなくて」
“Even though Sacchan, Nono-chan, and I don't know it...”
さっちゃん:
「かーちゃんと琴(こと)ちゃんは見(み)たことがある」
“My mom and Koto-chan have seen it before.”
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Example 8 of 11: Misunderstanding an incriminating situation with 誤解
Example 8 of 11
Manga panel from ひよ恋 showing example of Misunderstanding an incriminating situation with 誤解.
ひよ恋 » Volume 13 » Page 73

Since Hiyori is resting on a bed inside, Junpei takes a plate from the barbecue to her room. As he walks in, he finds Hiyori and Yuushin in what looks like a compromising position.

淳平(じゅんぺい):
「…お前(まえ)ら昼間(ひるま)っから (カギかけろよなー)」
“You guys, in the middle of the day… (At least lock the door!)”
結心(ゆうしん):
「ち ちがう 誤解(ごかい)だ!!(そい寝(ね)だから!!)」
“N—No! You've got it wrong!! (We were just lying down together!)”
ひより:
「見(み)られた… 見(み)られた…っ」
“We were seen… We were seen…!”
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Example 9 of 11: Never seen a panda with 見たことない
Example 9 of 11
Manga panel from あずまんが大王 showing example of Never seen a panda with 見たことない.
あずまんが大王 » Volume 1年生 » Page 132

Chiyo shows her friends in class the panda picture book she bought.

歩(あゆむ):
「私(わたし) パンダてまだ見(み)たことないねん」
“I haven't seen a panda yet.”
とも:
「私(わたし) 見(み)たことあるよ ありゃかわいーよー」
“I've seen one. They're cute!”
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Example 10 of 11: Thought I would see her face with 〜ようと思う
Example 10 of 11
Manga panel from くノ一ツバキの胸の内 showing example of Thought I would see her face with 〜ようと思う.
くノ一ツバキの胸の内 » Volume 3 » Page 107

Seeing Rindou asleep, Sazanka reaches for her mask. Rindou wakens and backs away. Tsubaki asks what they’re doing so early in the morning.

サザンカ:
「リンドウのカオを見(み)ようと思(おも)って…」
“I thought I would see Rindou's face...”
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Example 11 of 11: Went to see a kindergarden sports day with 運動会
Example 11 of 11
Manga panel from orange showing example of Went to see a kindergarden sports day with 運動会.
orange » Volume 4 » Page 67

Kakeru’s grandmother unexpectedly shows up at the school sports day event.

おばあさん:
「翔(かける)が幼稚園(ようちえん)の時(とき)一度(いちど)だけ運動会(うんどうかい)を見(み)に行(い)った事(こと)あったわね」
“I went to see your sports day just once when you were in kindergarten, didn't I?”
翔(かける):
「うん 東京(とうきょう)まで来(き)てくれたよね」
“Yeah, you came all the way to Tokyo for me.”
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(To be visible)

見(み)える is for something to be seen. It also means to seem or look a certain way.

Example 1 of 4: Difficult to see the text with 〜づらい
Example 1 of 4
Manga panel from 好きな子がめがねを忘れた showing example of Difficult to see the text with 〜づらい.
好きな子がめがねを忘れた » Volume 1 » Page 12

Komura shares his history book with Mie. Since Mie forgot her glasses, she leans in as she strains to see the material written in the book.

小村(こむら):
「どどどど どうしたの!? の!?!?」
“Wh-wh-what's wrong?!”
三重(みえ):
「ちょっと見(み)えづらくて」
“It's a bit difficult to see...”
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Example 2 of 4: Far from seeing a fish with 〜どころか
Example 2 of 4
Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Far from seeing a fish with 〜どころか.
名探偵コナン » Volume 4 » Page 161

The Detective Boys follow what appears to be an encoded treasure map. They’re able to locate each symbol from the map except for what appears to be a fish. Conan figures it out, and leads the group up a fire escape to the top floor of a nearby building.

元太(げんた):
「おいおい、真(ま)っ暗(くら)で魚(さかな)どころかなんも見(み)えねーぞ!!」
“Hey, it's pitch black. Far from a fish, I can't even see anything!!”
コナン:
「まあ、ここから外(そと)を見(み)てみなよ!」
“Well, try looking outside from here!”
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Example 3 of 4: Might appear bigger with 〜かもしれない
Example 3 of 4
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Might appear bigger with 〜かもしれない.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 81

Due to Chino’s concerns about her height, Rize suggests a solution.

リゼ:
「声(こえ)が大(おお)きければ存在(そんざい)も大(おお)きく見(み)えるかもしれない」
“If your voice is loud, your presence might seem bigger too.”
ココア:
「錯覚(さっかく)ですか」
“An optical illusion?”
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Example 4 of 4: Seeing a comet with the naked eye with 肉眼
Example 4 of 4
Manga panel from 怪盗セイント・テール showing example of Seeing a comet with the naked eye with 肉眼.
怪盗セイント・テール » Volume 4 » Page 6

Before class, Asuka Jr. mentions a Graham Comet, which passes near the Earth once every fifty years.

涼子(りょうこ):
「ステキ!! それが こんどのクリスマス・イヴにくるの?」
“Awesome!! Is it coming this Christmas Eve?”
アスカ Jr.:
「どーせ肉眼(にくがん)じゃ見(み)えねーよ。天文台(てんもんだい)にでもいかないとな」
“You won't be able to see it with the naked eye anyway. You'd have to go to an observatory or something.”
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(To show)

見(み)せる is to let someone see something.

Example 1 of 2: Opportunity to make a bet with せっかく〜だから
Example 1 of 2
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Opportunity to make a bet with せっかく〜だから.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 104

Chiya and Chino prepare to play chess at an indoor hot spring.

千夜(ちや):
「せっかくだから何(なに)か賭(か)けてみない?」
“Since we've got the chance, want to bet something?”
「私(わたし)が勝(か)ったらティッピーが頭(あたま)まで濡(ぬ)れたらどうなるか見(み)せてもらうのはどう?」
“If I win, how about letting me see what Tippy looks like completely soaked?”
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Example 2 of 2: That said, she'll still show her homework with 〜つつも
Example 2 of 2
Manga panel from あしたは土曜日 showing example of That said, she'll still show her homework with 〜つつも.
あしたは土曜日 » Volume 春・夏 » Page 122

As summer break is half over, talk of summer homework comes up. Yukari says she won’t let Mina copy off of hers.

ミナ:
「まぁそんなこと言(い)いつつ最後(さいご)には見(み)せてくれるよね」
“Well, even though she says that, she'll show it to me in the end, you know.”
サナエ:
「学級委員長(がっきゅういいんちょう)だしね」
“She is the class representative, after all.”
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(To stare at)

見(み)つめる is to look at something steadily for a long time.

Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Not moving while staring with 〜ながら.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 113

Cocoa buys Chino a puzzle to make up for finishing the one Chino had been working on. The two and their friends work at putting the new puzzle together.

チノ:
「ココアさんさっきからピース見(み)つめながら動(うご)かない…」
“Cocoa-san has been staring at the puzzle piece while not moving for a while now...”
「その…責任(せきにん)取(と)ろうと無理(むり)しないでください」
“Um... Please don't push yourself trying to take responsibility.”
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Appearance

(Looks)

見(み)た目(め) is how someone or something looks, the impression it gives at a glance. It is more casual than 外見(がいけん).

It combines 見た (seen) with 目 (eye) to show how it looks to the eye.

Manga panel from からかい上手の高木さん showing example of A junior or something with 〜か何か.
からかい上手の高木さん » Volume 17 » Page 84

On a nighttime walk, Hamaguchi sees Hokujou casually dressed and wearing glasses. She’s fine with Hamaguchi seeing her like this, as they’ve known each other for a long time, but she tells him not to tell their classmates. At school the next morning…

高尾(たかお):
「おい 昨日(きのう)浜口(はまぐち)が、メガネ女子(じょし)と夜(よる)に会(あ)ってたらしいぞ!」
“Hey, I heard Hamaguchi was hanging out with a girl in glasses last night!”
生徒(せいと)A:
「見(み)た目(め)子供(こども)っぽかったって聞(き)いたぞ。」
“I heard she looked kind of childish.”
生徒(せいと)B:
「後輩(こうはい)か何(なに)かか、浜口(はまぐち)。」
“Is she a junior or something, Hamaguchi?”
浜口(はまぐち):
「い… いやー…」
“Uh... well...”
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Discovery

(To find)

見(み)つける is to find something by searching for it, or to come across it by chance.

Example 1 of 3: Figuring out the password with 見つけ出す
Example 1 of 3
Manga panel from ああっ女神さまっ showing example of Figuring out the password with 見つけ出す.
ああっ女神さまっ » Volume 1 » Page 85

Kei’ichi must enter the university system to add a record showing Belldandy is enrolled. He only has a brief window of opportunity before Professor Ozawa logs into the system and discovers she isn’t enrolled. The only thing standing in Kei’ichi’s way is the university’s enrollment records password protection.

田宮(たみや):
「早(はや)く パスワードを見(み)つけ出(だ)さんと」
“If you don't hurry and figure out that password...”
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Example 2 of 3: Going to buy mugs with 〜に行く
Example 2 of 3
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Going to buy mugs with 〜に行く.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 51

Cocoa discusses the café’s coffee cups with Chino.

ココア:
「この前(まえ)面白(おもしろ)いカップ見(み)つけたんだ」
“I found an interesting cup the other day.”
「今度(こんど)買(か)いに行(い)かない?」
“Why don't we go buy some?”
リゼ:
「へぇ どんな」
“Oh? What kind?”
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Example 3 of 3: Worth selecting a costume with 〜がいある
Example 3 of 3
Manga panel from 藤原くんはだいたい正しい showing example of Worth selecting a costume with 〜がいある.
藤原くんはだいたい正しい » Volume 1 » Page 172

As a member of the student council, Hitsuji comes up with the idea of having a cosplay theme to help build up excitement among students for the school’s sports day. However, Fujiwara, the student council president, fails to dress up. Upon hearing him say he doesn’t have a costume prepared, one of the drama club students suggests he pick from their club’s costumes. While Fujiwara isn’t enthusiastic at the prospect of dressing up, Hitsuji is excited by the club’s wide selection.

ヒツジ:
「これだけあると選(えら)びがいあるね!!一番(いちばん)似(に)合(あ)うの見(み)つけるね!」
“When there are this many, it's worth it to choose from! I'll find the one that suits you best!”
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(To be found)

見(み)つかる is for something to be found. It also means to be caught by someone.

Example 1 of 2: Can't be found with 〜っこない
Example 1 of 2
Manga panel from 怪盗セイント・テール showing example of Can't be found with 〜っこない.
怪盗セイント・テール » Volume 2 » Page 34

Saint Tail sends out a parade of copies of herself to confuse Asuka Jr. and the police.

セイント・テール:
「この どさくさの中(なか)をにげる!」
“I'll escape in the midst of all this confusion!”
「ぜーーったい見つかりっこないもん」
“There's absolutely no way that I can be found.”
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Example 2 of 2: Drawing a conclusion about a murder with 結論
Example 2 of 2
Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Drawing a conclusion about a murder with 結論.
名探偵コナン » Volume 16 » Page 18

Conan and Heiji end up staying at the same mansion when a murder occurs. They decide to put their heads together to try and determine who the culprit is.

コナン:
「とにかく秀臣(ひでおみ)さんが見(み)つかるまで、結論(けつろん)は出(だ)せねーな…」
“Anyway, I guess we can't come to a conclusion until we find Hideomi...”
平次(へいじ):
「せやな……」
“That's right.”
蘭(らん):
「あら!」
“Oh!”
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(To see through)

見(み)抜(ぬ)く is to see through a lie, disguise, or surface appearance to the truth behind it.

It combines 見 (see) with 抜く (pierce) to show seeing right through.

Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Merely by shaking hands with 握手.
名探偵コナン » Volume 1 » Page 17

Shin’ichi treats Ran to a day at Tropical Land as a reward for winning the city karate tournament. As they wait in line for a ride on the roller coaster, Shin’ichi explains all the reasons why Sherlock Holmes was the greatest detective.

新一(しんいち):
「助手(じょしゅ)のワトソンに初(はじ)めて会(あ)った時(とき)、握手(あくしゅ)しただけで、彼(かれ)が軍医(ぐんい)でアフガンに行(い)ってた事(こと)を見(み)抜(ぬ)いてしまったんだ…」
“The first time he met his assistant Watson, Holmes could tell just from a handshake that he was a military doctor who had been stationed in Afghanistan...”
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Views

(To underestimate)

甘(あま)く見(み)る is to treat someone or something as weaker or easier than it really is.

Manga panel from 怪盗セイント・テール showing example of Don't underestimate your mother with 甘く見る.
怪盗セイント・テール » Volume 7 » Page 46

Meimi’s mother stops by Meimi’s room with a couple of movie tickets. She says she and Meimi’s father have already seen the movie, so she’s offering them to Meimi. She says the movie is very romantic, and suggests Meimi has someone she’d want to see it with.

芽美(めいみ):
「マ… ママ知(し)って…」
“Mom, you knew...?”
ママ:
「ママを甘(あま)く見(み)ないことね」
“Don't underestimate Mom.”
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Oversights

(To overlook)

見(み)逃(のが)す is to miss seeing something, such as a show or a clue. It also means to let a wrongdoing go on purpose.

It combines 見 (see) with 逃す (let slip) to show letting something slip past one's eyes.

Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Strange behavior with 異様.
名探偵コナン » Volume 21 » Page 119

Shin’ichi reveals the details of a murder. The culprit asks how Shin’ichi discovered the hidden weapon, and he explains it was due to a specific movement the culprit made.

新一(しんいち):
「見逃(みのが)しやすい細(こま)かな点(てん)こそ何(なに)よりも重要(じゅうよう)なんです…」
“It's precisely those subtle details that are easy to overlook that matter most of all...”
「あの時(とき)のあなたの何気(なにげ)ない仕草(しぐさ)が…」
“That casual gesture of yours back then...”
「僕(ぼく)の目(め)には異様(いよう)な行動(こうどう)として焼(や)きついてただけの事(こと)ですよ…」
“It's just that it was etched in my mind as strange behavior...”
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(To mistake)

見(み)間(ま)違(ちが)う is to see something wrong and take it for something else.

It combines 見 (see) with 間違う (be wrong) to show seeing wrongly.

Manga panel from カードキャプターさくら showing example of Misseeing something as a ghost as the park lake with 〜ちゃう.
カードキャプターさくら » Volume 1 » Page 131

After piano class, Naoko hurries home only to see a ghostly figure appear from within a lake at the park. She recalls the events to her friends at school.

桜(さくら):
「な…奈緒子(なおこ)ちゃん なにかを見(み)間(ま)違(ちが)っちゃったってことは…… (木(き)とか電柱(でんちゅう)とか看板(かんばん)とか)」
“Na... Naoko, could it be that you ended up seeing something wrong...... (like a tree or a utility pole or a sign or something)?”
「……ないよね」
“......I guess not.”
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